ANTIQUES

Since James and I have moved around quite a bit, we have never really felt like investing the money into all out decorating any of our apartments. We didn’t want to spend a ton of money on furniture that might not even fit into our next place when we moved again.

In order to solve this problem, we started thrifting and frequenting antique festivals and markets. We have both always loved the character that vintage items add to any space.

REASONS WHY I FURNISH WITH ANTIQUES

1. You have a chance of finding unique items that are not all over stores. These vintage finds can give your space more character and show more of your personality. It gets boring seeing the same things over and over.
2. Usually you can save money. There are expensive antique stores where items can cost more than new pieces because they are a piece of history, and then there are thrift stores and markets where you can snag some affordable treasures. Finding something at a bargain never hurts.

3. Lots of vintage items are made of solid wood or by hand. Higher quality materials will last longer in your home and you’ll feel better about picking a more sustainable option.

Our favorite Michigan antique store

TIPS ON ACTUALLY FINDING VINTAGE PIECES

1. Visit vintage and antique stores often. Thrift stores don’t usually have a strict schedule of when they get new items in. Most owners are excited to talk about any new items they are receiving and want you to come back when new inventory arrives. Make sure to follow your favorite places on social media to stay up to date on estate sales and expected inventory.
2. Get to know the owners; they are usually very friendly and passionate about what they do. James and I made friends with the owner of our favorite store that always has lots of mid-century modern finds, and he is great! He sometimes even tells us when they are getting new items in. He always knows the story of every piece and can tell you where they came from. Lots of the beautiful furniture in his store is from old or abandoned homes in Detroit. The pieces always have a ton of uniqueness and charm.
3. Facebook Marketplace is your new bestie. There are a ton of listings with new items daily! I like to check in often, as more people know about the goodies you can find on that platform now. I find this easier to use than Craigslist.

This mirror and glass curio shelf are two of our favorite vintage finds.

ONE LAST THING

Sometimes the stories behind antiques are what make them special. Add a note to the bottom of your antique furniture to tell the history of the piece. Add the story the shop owner told you, and then add info about yourself and your home. Talk about when and where and any pertinent history about your home or where you found the piece. Talk about little facts like any pets or if you have children who used the piece.

Whenever we do this and give it to the next person, we hope they do the same. These notes help tell stories and teach newbies like James and I, more about the history and the origins of pieces. This adds to the charm on uniqueness of each piece.

This post serves as a reminder for myself and a “thank you” to my mom for all the things she’s taught me over the years.

These next points are all things my mom taught me when I was younger. For most of these, I wish I listened sooner.

LIST OF THINGS I WISH I LISTENED TO WHEN I WAS 20

1. Invest in a good pair of jeans. The basics will never go out of style. Classic pieces look good on everyone
2. One-peice bathing suits look just as good as a bikini. Don’t make yourself uncomfortable just to fit in with everyone else. Wear what you want.
3. SAVE. YOUR. MONEY. Luckily, I listened to this one early on. Don’t underestimate the power of putting away a certain percentage of your paychecks each month, even if it’s just $10. It adds up quickly.
4. Travel. Don’t skip out on trying something new every few month if you can help it. Go out of your way to adventure.
5. Wear sunscreen. Wear it every day.
6. No one can make you mad. (Ok, I get that this sounded impossible at the time, and I still think it is impossible. BUT, that being said, I get where she is coming from here. I take it as “don’t let others’ opinions get you down.”)
7. Make things. Craft, create, imagine, draw, just make things. This has SO many benefits and has really shaped me as a person. Lots of people in my family have the creative gene, and I’m glad I do too. Even if you do not feel like you’re the “creative type,” these exercises will flex certain parts of your brain and you might discover something new.
8. READ and don’t stop reading. I don’t know anyone who reads more than my mom. I also don’t know anyone with a better imagination. I like to think these are correlated.
9. Send cards and write letters. It makes all the difference.
10. Make the holidays special. It’s about family. My mom always went above and beyond to make the holidays special, even in the smallest ways. It wasn’t just about gifts, but about embracing the spirit of the season and being kind and sharing with others. Christmas still is, and will always be, my favorite holiday.
11. Spend money on experiences, not things. You’ll remember these cherished times with loved ones more than you’ll remember all those earrings you bought in your 20’s.
12. Shop your own home. Rearranging and utilizing what you already have will refresh your home on a budget. That old tapestry that has been in storage for years, that’s now your new headboard.
13. There’s no shame in thrifting. This is where you find the best vintage pieces.  If you’re trying to add some character to your home, you should be thrifting 😉 Whenever I come home, I have to go on at least one thrifting run with my mom.
14. Don’t judge how you feel about an outfit based on the lights in the fitting room. They are always the WORST. I promise, you look better than that.

That last one is one of my favorites. I was very hard on myself when I was younger and did not like how I looked when I tried on clothes. All of this could have been avoided if I had just blamed it on the dressing room light and wore what I wanted to.

What are some things your parents taught you when you were younger? Maybe even something you learned from an older sister? Share with all of us on my latest Instagram post!